District 518 welcomes new educators

Name: Valerie Rossow

Position: English as a Second Language, Prairie Elementary and Worthington Middle School.

Education: Hoffman-Kensington High School; Moorhead State University; coursework at St. Cloud State University, Hamline University, and Minnesota State University Mankato.

Previous experience: 16 years in St. James, Northfield and Faribault schools.

Teaching philosophy: Using developmentally appropriate best practices to facilitate language acquisition of language minority students. Students deserve an equitable opportunity to learn.

Favorite part of teaching: Working with students/families who are following their American Dream.

Name: Megan Nagel

Position: Language arts, Area Learning Center.

Education: St. Anthony High School, St. Thomas University.

Previous experience: one semester high school language arts, three years substitute teaching.

Teaching philosophy: I believe in encouraging interest in education and academic success. When students understand the opportunities available through adequate education, motivation to succeed in learning becomes inherent.

Favorite part of teaching: Developing positive relationships with students and being part of a successful learning process.

Name: Jenna Pulkrabek

Position: social worker, district wide

Education: Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School, Bemidji State University.

Previous experience: two years social worker at Lac Qui Parle Valley schools. Participation in extracurricular activities and the community.

Teaching philosophy: It is important to me to work cooperatively with parents, students and the school to achieve goals and alleviate any problems that may arise.

Favorite part of teaching: Having an opportunity to work with students and families and, being able to plant the seeds of change and growth.

Name: Juliann FitzSimmons

Position: adapted physical education, district wide

Education: Maple River High School, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Previous experience: Four years coaching B-squad basketball and softball at Maple River High School.

Teaching philosophy: Help students achieve success and teach them to challenge themselves.

Favorite part of teaching: Helping students develop skills that they will use throughout their lifetime. Also, watching students reach their goals and develop confidence.

Name: Megan Erickson

Position: first grade, Prairie Elementary

Education: Austin High School; Concordia College, Moorhead.

Previous experience: student teaching in Fargo, N.D.; AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Reads Program

Teaching philosophy: I believe that all students can learn. A teacher meets the needs of all students, makes learning fun and teaches in a variety of ways.

Favorite part of teaching: Watching the progress that students make and seeing that they are understanding what is being taught.

Name: Carissa Gabrielson

Position: fourth and fifth grade emotional/behavioral disorders special education, Prairie Elementary

Education: Austin High School, Winona State University

Previous experience: Long-term substitute teaching and varsity girls’ golf coach at Austin schools.

Teaching philosophy: Keep the students engaged in their learning process. Make them feel safe and ready to ask questions at all times.

Favorite part of teaching: Getting to know kids from all different backgrounds and inspiring them to achieve at their highest ability.

Tags: news, education, teachers, new, district, 518